Because of the complex ecosystems of the peninsula it would take many chapters to examine all of the many types of flora in existence in this area. Botanists estimate that there are over 4,000 varieties of plants in Baja California Sur.About 120 species of cacti alone have been reported to have been found - this is more than anywhere else on the earth! There are also 19 species of the Agave plant growing in Baja. One of the most impressive is the yucca plant. The largest is the 'tree yucca'. The fruit and flowers are edible and the roots are often boiled to make soap. Fences are often made from their stalks as well.

There are many varieties of the maguey plant. The maguey was an important food source among the earlier aboriginal populations. The heart of the plant was baked in an underground pit for 3 days.The sotol, also called "palmita" resembles a small palm tree. They can reach 23 feet in height and are most commonly found in the Cape Region at higher elevations.The plant many consider to be the most symbolic of Baja is the cirio, or "boojum tree." Its stalk is thickest near the ground and tapers to its skinniest point at the top. Mature plants can reach 40-50 feet in height! They grow slowly and many reach an age of about 500 years old.

Much more common throughout Baja's desert are two other members of the Fouqueria family, the ocotillo and palo adan. The ocotillo is beautiful when in bloom, with its salmon peach colored flowers. These plants are also great for fencing. Many varieties of palm plants are also prevalent in Baja. One of the most beautiful is the "palma azul" or blue fan palm, with its bluish colored, fan shaped leaves. It can reach as much as 79 feet in height. This plant can usually be found in the canyons of the Sierra Juarez. Baja's tallest palm is the Mexican fan palm or "palma blanca." This amazing plant reaches heights of 100 feet! It's leaves are also fan-shaped. There are many other varieties of palms, the Tlaco palm ("taco palm"), Guadalupe Island palm, California fan palm, and the date palm. Baja dates are eaten locally and shipped to mainland Mexico but in general, they are not considered of high enough quality for export.